TOPIC is a consumer-led organisation that tests the authenticity of product labels.

Mislabelling and food fraud in South Africa are rife. It is estimated that more than a third of products on our shelves are falsely labelled. For most small retailers, testing products is not an option because they don't have the resources.

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TOPIC invites you to nominate a product and its label claim to be investigated via Facebook , Twitter @topic_label or via email to info@topicsa.org.za

Our Mission

Food and product label claims such as "natural", "organic", "biodegradable", "ethical", "sustainable" and "non-toxic" are almost completely unregulated.

For most consumers there's a real need for transparency and peace of mind.

Consumers will be aware of the recent meat, gluten, milk, fish and Omega oil supplement scandals. "Buyer beware" still very much applies.

TOPIC was created in response to an urgent need for an organisation testing consumer products and protecting the consumer from false or misleading claims.

TOPIC is a consumer-led organisation funded by consumers and retailers that are committed to transparency. TOPIC uses laboratory testing, farm and factory visits and any other means necessary to verify that ingredients and label claims are accurate.

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Protocols :
1. Choosing which product to test.
2. Testing the product.
3. Reporting on the results.

Testing of Products Initiated by Consumers (TOPIC)

Protocols (1,2,3)

TOPIC follows a clear process, from choosing which product to test to publishing results. Being a consumer-led organisation makes it possible for TOPIC to be completely transparent in all of its processes.

Next : Protocol #1

1. Choosing the Product

A product is chosen from those nominated by consumers and the label is scrutinised for ingredients and claims.

Next : Protocol #2

2. Testing the Product

TOPIC engages with the producer and all certifications and claims are thoroughly investigated. Independent laboratory tests and / or factory and farm visits are conducted as needed.

Next : Protocol #3

3. Reporting on Results

Results are collated and a report drafted. Results are published on TOPIC’s website and sent to consumers, retailers and media.

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Nominate a Product

Nominate via Facebook

Why not support TOPIC by nominating a product to be tested via the TOPIC Facebook page :

www.facebook.com/topicsa.

Nominate via Twitter

Why not support TOPIC by nominating a product to be tested via the TOPIC Twitter handle :

www.twitter.com/topic_label.

Nominate Anonymously

Nominate a product anonymously by emailing us at nominate@topicsa.org.za.

If you’d like to donate towards testing please see our funding page.

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Laboratories

There are several independent laboratories around the country that we will use for product testing. More details will be added here about those labs and their methods.

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Contact TOPIC to nominate a product for testing.

Publicly nominate a product for testing via Facebook or Twitter.

Nominate a product anonymously by emailing us at nominate@topicsa.org.za.

Media Enquiries : info@topicsa.org.za

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Funding

TOPIC chooses products to test from those nominated by you, the consumer.

As a grass-roots, consumer-led organisation, TOPIC is completely dependent on funding from like-minded consumers as well as those truly ethical retailers who are prepared to put their money where their mouths are by supporting truthful labelling.

If you would like to contribute towards testing a specific product please let us know via email. Please also add if you would like to be mentioned on our website or if you would like to remain anonymous.

All donations will be used to cover the costs of laboratory tests, farm and factory visits, report writing and publishing of results. For now, please donate via EFT. At a later stage we will have an online payment system.

Account Name: TOPIC SA | Account Number: 62551091516
Bank: First National Bank | Branch: 210-046 Kenilworth Centre | Account Type: Cheque

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A few retailers have already shown their commitment to transparency and integrity by supporting TOPIC.

Faithful to Nature

Founder of online organic store Faithful to Nature, Robyn Smith, is a firm supporter of TOPIC and deeply passionate about ethics. "I believe that you deserve to be able to purchase products where full product description is enclosed from absolutely honest ingredient lists; to country of origin and the cruelty free status of the item,” says Robyn. “The products that we choose to buy have a massive impact on the health of every creature on our planet. It’s a really big deal that we are empowered to make the best purchasing decisions that we can. We want consumers to trust what is on the label."

Garden Route Goodies

Owner of Garden Route Goodies, Alex Peel, is also a firm supporter of TOPIC and is determined to be a produce provider that consumers can trust. "I am a mom with two kids," says Alex. "I don’t like being lied to and overcharged for pretty packaging and I want to give my children the healthiest possible start to life."

"Garden Route Goodies is dedicated to supporting small farmers who don’t give in to the pressure of mass consumer driven supermarkets. Farming for the benefit of their animals first, workers, consumers and the land. Treating the entire process with respect and care but most importantly keeping consumers informed about where the products come from and knowing without doubt that what we claim is the truth."

If you are a retailer who would like to support transparent product testing then please contact TOPIC.

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TOPIC in the Media

15 November 2014 : SAFM Interview (Michelle Constant).

3 October 2014 : Capetalk Interview with TOPIC spokesperson and consumer advocate, Peter Becker :

TOPIC : The "Natural" Effect ~ Scaryfunny Stuff

Use and Misuse of the term "Natural" on product labels

For TOPIC media enquiries: info@topicsa.org.za